Meatball soup

Meatball Soup: A Comforting Delight

Meatball soup is a classic dish loved by everyone, bringing together the flavors of fresh vegetables and the savor of meat, transforming into a warm and comforting culinary experience. This recipe is not only nourishing but also rich in tradition, reminding us of family meals where every bite is filled with love and memories.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 liter of broth or water + 1 cube of broth concentrate
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 medium potato
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1/2 small celery
- A handful of fresh parsley or lovage
- 400 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or puree (optional)
- Sour cream and hot pepper for serving

Preparing the meatball soup

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients. Clean the vegetables: onion, carrot, potato, bell pepper, and celery. Wash them well and chop them finely or grate them. These vegetables will add rich flavor and pleasant texture to your soup.

Step 2: Preparing the broth

In a large pot, add 1 liter of broth or water. If using water, don’t forget to add the broth cube to enhance the flavor. Place the pot over medium heat and let it come to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the chopped vegetables. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they become soft but still crunchy.

Step 3: Preparing the meatballs

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the minced meat with washed rice, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well to achieve a homogeneous composition. Here you can also add chopped garlic if you want a stronger flavor. A good tip is to wet your hands with a mixture of water, a bit of vinegar, and oil while shaping the meatballs. This trick will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and help the meatballs stay intact during boiling.

Shape the meatballs to the size of a golf ball and place them on a plate.

Step 4: Boiling the meatballs

After the vegetables are almost cooked, carefully add the meatballs to the soup. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. It’s important not to boil too hard to prevent breaking the meatballs. Once cooked, you can add the tomato paste or puree, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently stir to avoid destroying the shape of the meatballs.

Step 5: Finalizing the soup

Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley or lovage for an extra touch of freshness. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving

Meatball soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and, for those who love a bit of spice, with hot peppers on the side. This combination will elevate your soup to another level, transforming it into a memorable dish.

Helpful tips

1. Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables, as they will add extra flavor to the soup. You can experiment with various vegetables like zucchini or peas to slightly change its flavor profile.

2. Sourness of the soup: Meatball soup can be soured with borscht or lemon juice, depending on your preferences. This adds a fresh and invigorating note to the dish.

3. Rice: If you want a less dense soup, you can reduce the amount of rice or even omit it completely. You can also use whole grain rice for added nutrients.

4. Variations: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils. By replacing the meat, you can add more vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

Nutritional benefits

Meatball soup is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, rich in protein due to the meat and rice. The vegetables provide fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. Each serving is a good source of nutrients, having approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs?
Yes, chicken is an excellent choice and works very well in this recipe.

2. What is the best way to store the soup?
Meatball soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later, but make sure it doesn’t contain sour cream, as it may curdle upon thawing.

3. Can I add additional spices?
Of course! Aromatic herbs like thyme or basil can add an extra dimension to your soup.

Conclusion

Meatball soup is a simple and versatile dish that will not only warm your soul but also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you choose to serve it at a family meal or indulge in a delicious bowl after a long day, this recipe is definitely one worth trying. Enjoy your meal!